The world & the heart

by Ajahn Anan

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Mark David Vinzens]

“When the heart comes to understand reality, one will experience great rapture and happiness. How much happiness will there be in the heart? To whatever degree one can realize Truth, the heart will be bright and spacious and will experience that degree of happiness. If the heart attains to an even greater degree of calm and concentration—genuine samādhi with rapture appearing nearly all throughout the day and night— well, experience it for yourself and you’ll know what that level of happiness is like. This is a kind of happiness that doesn’t depend on wealth or possessions. It’s a happiness independent of sights, independent of sounds, independent of smells, independent of flavors, independent of sensations and independent of ideas—a happiness coming from within. To whatever extent humans seek for happiness outside themselves, the farther they are away from the happiness within. But those who make the effort to seek the happiness of the heart can find a happiness that doesn’t fade.” (p.23)

“Cultivating the four brahmavihāras (sublime abidings) is an important meditation practice. There is mettā, goodwill for others; karunā, thoughts of wanting to help those who are suffering; muditā, feeling gladness and appreciation for the goodness in other people; and upekkhā, equanimity in situations when we are not able to help. These four brahmavihāras will care for our heart, protecting it from sadness and depression.” (p. 30)

“When everyone is established in morality, then there is harmony and happiness. We have thoughts free from cruelty and animosity, developing goodwill for one another. The result is happiness and ease; our hearts are joyful. But if someone nurtures vengefulness and ill-will, what effect is that going to have? There will only be gloominess and depression. Either way, look at the present. Heavens, hells, brahma realms, or Nibbāna: we can look for these right now in our own heart. There’s nowhere else we need to look.” (p. 34)

“we must train our mind. A mind that is well-trained brings happiness, the Buddha said.” (p. 36)

“When we have started practicing meditation, combined with a foundation of moral integrity this will help bring greater peace to our mind. If you have a lot of work and duties then cultivate mindfulness in the midst of that work. And to whatever extent is possible, make time for chanting and meditation each day to help calm the mind. When we put more time into the practice—making it continuous, something we do every day— our meditation will improve.” (p. 37)

“Develop peacefulness of heart through the practice of mettā. We can bring up thoughts of goodwill directed firstly towards ourself, reciting the verse, “May I be happy; may I be free from suffering.” We then spread these thoughts of goodwill to include all beings: “May they all be happy and free from suffering.” This is a skillful means for calming the mind.” (p. 46)

“The Buddha found the way to make the heart open and spacious, free from suffering. This is cessation. So we need to develop the Noble Eightfold Path—the direct path. It begins with Right View, a view that brings benefit. Then there is Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. These are the ways of wisdom, morality and concentration.” (p. 49)

~ Ajahn Anan, The World and the Heart

https://watmarpjan.org/en/teachings/b...

[Ruby Grad · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this series of transcribed Dharma talks, Ajahn Anan gives practical advice for practicing for liberation.

[BookFan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of talks given by Thai Buddhist teachers that provides a good overview of principles of Buddhism as well as guidance on practicing vipassana meditation

[Katrin Kalberlah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great summary about the Buddhist practice.

[annika lynn]

sorry boygenius i actually am an old man having an existential crisis at a buddhist monastery